Free street solar chargers in New York

This is a joint effort pilot initiative by several companies. It provides free solar mobile charging stations at selected locations in New York City where the public can charge their phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The charging 'tree' is about 12.5-foot high. Photo credit: AT&T


Specification and features

Solar panel            : 3 x 15-watt solar panels
Battery                  : 168 watt-hour, Lithium ion pack
Charging capacity  : Up to 6 devices for several days without exposure to the sun.
Power outlet          : 5V, max output 2 Amp
Socket                  : Old and new iPhone power plug, micro-USB
System providers   : Funded by AT&T, solar panels technology by Goal Zero, designed by Pensa.

The pilot project is intended to provide a sustainable, green solution for mobile charging.
Photo credit: AT&T

All major mobile devices will be supported through multiple connectors at each station, and an integrated battery will allow for charges even during nighttime. Photo credit: Engadget


TheGreenMechanics:

First, there's this security issues with regards to would-be thief lurching, but this is something the service provider needs to address; together with the local/city authority.

Secondly, it's probably impractical to wait there to recharge your mobile device battery completely, but if you have a few minutes to spare, it'll be very handy while you are out there taking a walk or chatting with friends.

Nonetheless, this is something our town council or city hall can replicate here in Malaysia. In fact there's already pilot project in Kota Kinabalu city to build a Green Taxi Station that provide essentially the same as what AT&T offers in NYC.


Source: AT&T, Smartplanet.com

What is your Household Electricity Use?

On average, Malaysia’s per household electricity consumption is 251 kWh per month. In terms of carbon dioxide emission, this is translated to release of 171.68 kg of CO2 per household per month.

Compare your annual electricity consumption with the world's biggest economy, the United States, and the renewable energy leader, Germany. Illustrated in the following histogram:

Original chart by ilsr.org. I modified it to include Malaysia in the comparison.

Note that there's little need for air conditioning in Germany compared to the United States, but air conditioning only accounts for about 20% of U.S. household electricity consumption. Leaving the air-con out of the equation makes it 9,200 kWh vs. 3,100 kWh.

Malaysia electricity consumption is averagely 3,012 kWh per household per year or 251kWh per month. The following following SESB electricity bill shows electricity consumption for that month is 472kWh or 5664 kWh annualised.

SESB electricity bill: 472 kWh/month is above the national average of 251 kWh

If you want to calculate how much carbon dioxide you release every month, take your monthly utility bill and look for the kWh figure as shown in the photo above. Multiply that with 0.684 and you get the amount of CO2 emission as a result of your energy consumption.

In this case about 322 kg of CO2 (472kWh x 0.684) is release to the environment by this household. Every one kilowatt hour (kWh) used releases 0.684 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, the gas that contributes to the green house effect, blamed for global warming.

You now know where you stand, and if everyone plays their role by taking steps to ensure that they are using the least amount of energy possible, it will make a big difference.

Further readings and references: 
1) Cooling appliances uncool for environment - http://www.thesundaily.my/news/420861
 2) Analysis of Residential Electricity Consumption: Is Reform Needed?